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Rep. Mike Rogers won't run for U.S. Senate

LANSING — U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers said Friday he will not run for the U.S. Senate in Michigan next year.

The seventh-term Howell Republican made the announcement in a note to supporters, saying the best way for him to have a direct impact in Washington is to stay in the House. He has become a high-profile House member as chairman of its Intelligence Committee.

"For me, the significance and depth of the impact I can make on my constituent's behalf far outweighs the perceived importance of any title I might hold," Rogers said.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Carl Levin announced in March that he would not run for a seventh six-year term in 2014. U.S. Rep. Gary Peters is running for the Democratic nomination. Former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is the only candidate so far running on the Republican side.

Rogers' decision was not a surprise. The 50-year-old former FBI agent said intelligence issues will continue to be at the forefront of American national security concerns — citing challenges in Syria, Iran, North Korea, North Africa, Afghanistan and China.

He said his constituents sent him to Washington to do something.

"With these marching orders, I believe that from my current position I am best able to have a real, positive impact on protecting our nation and her citizens," Rogers said.

Just one Michigan Republican has won a Senate seat in 40 years. Spencer Abraham's 1994 victory came in a nonpresidential election year like 2014 will be. He lost six years later to Democrat Debbie Stabenow.